Winter commuting. Is it worth the risks?

[her_welshness]

Good luck with your first foray into winter commuting!

I started cycling throughout the year around 4 years ago. What I think has not been mentioned is that cycling in the winter is a lot about psychologically pushing yourself to do it. It's not MTFU, but just saying to yourself 'you will be warm in a few minutes'. It's character building. Of course as I commute in London it is that much milder. However, when we had the snow in Decemeber last year it took me 3 hours to walk home. It would still not get me to stop cycling at this time of the year.

Oh, and overshoes are one of the best things for winter cycling, the worst feeling in the world is cold and wet feet.

 

[Downward]

suppose it depends on the bike and tyres but broken collars bones, broken elbows, broken hips, more punctures that you have to deal with in the cold, numpty drivers who haven't cleared their screens, grit being bad for the bike.

Call me a wimp, but my road bike is now on the turbo, and half hour a day with the ipod should see me not lose too much fitness over the worst of the winter.

I just got a cheap turbo off ebay and paid £20 quid for it. I rather be bored for 1/2 hour a day on that, than be off the bike for 6 weeks with a broken collar bone and in all that pain. Especially as my mum is going on holiday for 8 weeks to the other side of the world and i will have no one to help me to the loo!

having said that, now seriously kicking myself that i didn't opt for the cyclescheme this year and get a mountain bike so i could go out in the snow.

OT But how is the TT ? I am thinking of getting a cheap one from E bay too

 

[palinurus]

I've just been getting the 'cross bike ready for next week's commute in case there's snow. Clip-on guards, lights, mud tyres- ready to switch to studded once the snow gets compacted.

 

[goo_mason]

Last year, even some of the main roads had some nasty & unexpected patches of sheet ice on them (especially at that car-wash place on Ferry Road - it runs down out of their premises and freezes!).

As I said, the first year of winter commuting was one where I sailed through without any scares, and the second one was fine until I came off. Having come off again a couple of times on ice, I now err on the side of caution rather than risk it and do myself some real damage. Doesn't matter how safe & gritted you think the main roads are, sometimes there are still some surprise patches that can catch you out, and you don't want to come off with a bus or artic right behind you.

For me (who seems ice-accident-prone, no matter how careful I am), the risk's not worth it. There' are many thousands more cycling days left in my life when it'll less risky

 

[biggs682]

on winter icy days i stick to bigger roads and avoid cyle paths due to ice on them

and just try and be carefull when cornering etc etc

 

[BentMikey]

Good luck with your first foray into winter commuting!

I started cycling throughout the year around 4 years ago. What I think has not been mentioned is that cycling in the winter is a lot about psychologically pushing yourself to do it. It's not MTFU, but just saying to yourself 'you will be warm in a few minutes'. It's character building. Of course as I commute in London it is that much milder. However, when we had the snow in Decemeber last year it took me 3 hours to walk home. It would still not get me to stop cycling at this time of the year.

Oh, and overshoes are one of the best things for winter cycling, the worst feeling in the world is cold and wet feet.

Good post, but there's one thing better than overshoes, being proper winter boots. Warmer, more comfortable, less faff and superb. Thanks to Charlotte for convincing me to get some years ago.

 

[DrSquirrel]

This will be my first winter commuting by bike. Since June I haven't missed a day. I'm off this week using up some hols - last day today

Seems the current icy spell is going to be here for some time, and I'm going to be faced with the prospect of minus 3C on Monday at 7:30am plus windchill (-10 or more?). It's not the temperature, though. It's the icy roads, with possible black ice, lethal manhole covers, numpties who can't see out of their windscreens, and possible damage to me and what's worse my (only) bike if I come a cropper. Currently have M+ tyres, but my commute both ways is like wacky races at the best of times.

So, much as I hate it and miss the bike, I've decided to sod it and get the bus until the weather improves. Couple of weeks on the bus, or a couple of months off battered and bruised? Or worse? Or should I just MTFU?

I would find it more risky to drive... 30-60mph with possible ice with others tailgating you or not being able to see properly.

MTFU

 

[johnr]

Get the clothes right - that's my main tip. There are times when I've had to get off and walk because the snow on back roads has been deep, but as long as the clothes are keeping the weather out, it's never been too bad. Waterproof socks are my favourites for feet, but most people are oversshoe fans.

Give it a go!